The year of 2007 has been kind to Katie Burkhart.
The junior pitcher has rewritten the ASU record books and has established herself as one of the top hurlers, not only in the Pac-10, but in the nation.
Before looking at what she's done this year, it's important to consider what little Katie Burkhart was thinking in kindergarten.
"Our teachers asked us in kindergarten to write what you want to be when you grow up," Burkhart said. "I wrote down that I wanted to be in the Olympics and that I wanted to be a veterinarian."
A couple years later, the Burkharts received a fateful piece of mail that would change their daughter's life forever.
"When I was nine, my mom got a flier in the mail to play softball," Burkhart said. "But my mom didn't want me to play softball, she wanted me to be a ballerina but that wasn't happening."
So after some begging, Burkhart got her chance to play - and never looked back.
"I fell in love with the sport and I knew that it was what I wanted to do," Burkhart said. "Since I was nine years old I knew that that was my goal in life, I wanted to be an Olympic softball player."
This past weekend, Burkhart eclipsed the all-time ASU strikeout mark of 893 set by current ASU pitching coach Kirsten Voak in 2002. While Burkhart says she feels honored to be recognized for her efforts, she's not surprised.
"I demand that out of myself," Burkhart said. "It's been a long journey and now to see all what I've learned come together is a great thing.
"Now I can just keep doing what I've been doing and keep striving for more. My goal is to shoot for the top and I won't stop until I'm there."
If she's not there yet, she's getting close.
This year, Burkhart has compiled an 18-6 record while striking out 272 in 156 1/3 innings of work. She also has a 8.5-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio to go along with her microscopic 0.94 ERA.
ASU coach Clint Myers has only known Burkhart for two years, but has nothing but praise for his outgoing staff ace.
"Katie's a character," Myers said. "But when she gets between the circle and she starts getting into her routine of pitching, she could be one of the top two or three pitchers in the country."
Off the mound, Burkhart is usually a loquacious, off-the-wall and self-proclaimed "goof ball."
But on it, she's all business.
Although her career is littered with sparkling performances, none shines brighter than her outing on March 15.
Burkhart took the mound against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and notched ASU's first perfect game since 1999 - 21 up, 21 down.
It wasn't until soon after she put down the 21st batter that she realized what she had just accomplished. She didn't even realize the accomplishment herself, senior third baseman Bianca Cruz had to tell her.
"I was just oblivious," Burkhart said. "It was almost like that day was very surreal.
"I think everything just clicked on that day, it was just me and glove and I was just out there doing what I love."
ASU also has a solid No. 2 option behind Burkhart in freshman pitcher Megan Elliott.
Elliott came into Tempe as one of the most pursued recruits in the country and hasn't disappointed.
Currently, she holds a 16-2 record and a 2.06 ERA.
Burkhart said she's accepted her role as a mentor, but she doesn't want to step on anyone's toes.
"I love Megan - I think she's great," Burkhart said. "I'm all for being there, for giving advice and just being there for her.
"I try to be the older sister and I want her to feel comfortable coming to me."
Although Burkhart's always been vocal, she admits to taking on a leadership role on this year's team.
"I'm pretty vocal when it comes to just about anything," Burkhart said. "I'm always the goof ball that likes to have fun and be light-hearted, but at the same time, I realize that there's times when the foot needs to be put down.
"I'll say something like 'Hey, we need to get our stuff together and go out there and get it done.'"
Burkhart's job as a leader is made easier because the team is so close-knit.
"The team chemistry is really great," Burkhart said. "We've had our ups and downs, but we're a bunch of sisters out there.
"Everyone has such a unique personality on this team and I think that we all feed off of each other. There's never a dull moment."
So what's the team's favorite bonding experience?
"We get really hyphy," the San Luis Obispo, Calif. native said. "Everyone thizz dances and we look completely ridiculous, it's hilarious."
At the arm of Burkhart, the Sun Devils will look to dance their way to a Pac-10 Championship.
Reach the reporter: alex.espinoza@asu.edu.
